Friends with Business Benefits

It’s been two years since we last chatted about how we’re using Substack in our respective businesses. A lot has changed for both of us since then, so we decided it was time to share an update. Listen as we discuss moving the podcast to Substack, growing our mailing lists, turning on paid subscriptions, and in Charlie’s case, turning them off again. As well as sharing what has and hasn’t been working for us on the platform, we chat about our plans for 2026 and what we hope to achieve through our publications.Links and Further ReadingAre You Going to Start a Substack?How Are We Showing Up on Substack this Year?Glennon Doyle, Mean Girls, and the Evolution of Substack Should I Start a Substack for My Small Business?Are you using Substack in your small business? Join us over there to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

We’ve been noticing a rise of some poor manners online of late. Copy-cat content, big brands using photos without permission or giving proper credit, people presenting other creators ideas as their own. SO, in this episode we’re wondering ‘what happened to the Online Etiquette of the early internet’? Listen to hear us share some examples of the types of poor etiquette we’ve noticed recently, chat through the difference between being inspired and copying, consider the role the rise of AI is playing and rant about Pinterest being sited as an image source. Links and Further ReadingSiece CampbellShana BlakleyOur Thoughts on the Analogue TrendJoin the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts on online etiquette. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

How do you currently showcase and share your work with prospective clients? Do you have a portfolio or gallery on your website? Maybe you treat Instagram like a portfolio or have some kind of PDF you send out?In today’s episode, we’re exploring all these options and more. We cover the purpose of a portfolio, where it should live, and share a range of creative ideas to help you present your work to the world. Alongside digital options, we discuss some unique analogue concepts. As well as chatting about our own portfolios, Franky shares insights from working with clients, offering copywriting tips and pointing out a few pitfalls to avoid. Links and Further ReadingGrace YencerDesign By EmiliaBecky Lord DesignCyber AreejCarolyn YooChaotic Creatives - Curating Your Creative Work Like a ProOur Thoughts on the Analogue TrendJoin the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts on building a portfolio. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

2026 has officially been deemed ‘the year of analogue living’. The internet is going crazy for pen and paper, crafty hobbies, and physical media. In this week’s episode, we discuss the rapid rise of this trend, explore how it’s being interpreted online, and what this might mean for us as small business owners. We also chat about our own analogue habits and hobbies, and ponder why GenZ seem to love poor quality, ‘vintage’ digital cameras so much!Links and Further ReadingAre You ‘Team Analogue’ or ‘Team Digital’? Wildflower Illustration Co.The Sunday Letter ProjectJoin the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts on going analogue {or not} in 2026. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

We’re kicking off the new year with our annual cosy conversation filled with reflections and intentions. Find out what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share a few goals for 2026, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1.Links and Further ReadingGet Wildly FreeJoin the conversation on Substack to tell us all about your plans for the year ahead. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In our final episode of the year, join us as we run through some of our non-business related faves. As well as our favourite films, TV shows, music and books, we chat about the habits and experiences we’ve enjoyed the most. It’s an episode filled with recommendations, just for you!Thank you for listening throughout 2025 and happy new year!Fancy filling us in on your own favourites? Join the conversation on Substack. We’d love to hear from you!Links and Further ReadingIsabel PaigeShelby’s CottageHorticulturalish Java Ceridwen Bere Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

You’ve heard of doom scrolling, but what about bloom scrolling? Instead of mindlessly consuming content, bloom scrolling encourages you to interact with the digital world more thoughtfully. In this week’s episode, we’re exploring the concept from a few different angles and offering practical tips to make your time online more nourishing. We cover everything from managing screentime and curating your feed to creating bloom-scroll-appropriate content of your own. Links and Further ReadingBloom Scrolling explainedRealfunwowUlyandernestoMonalogueAbbeysyHow do you feel about bloom scrolling? Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

‘Tis the season for a work Christmas do! But what happens when you’re self-employed and the office party is no more?! In this episode, we’re reminiscing about corporate Christmas parties of the past and sharing ideas and encouragement to help you mark the end of another year in your creative business. We cover who to celebrate with when you work alone, and how, from dinner and drinks to craft parties and more. Links and Further ReadingTransform Your Business with Co-Mentoring Being Freelance CommunityDIFTK CommunityHow will you be celebrating the end of another year in your creative business? Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

This week, inspired by Emma Gannon’s recent article, ‘Unbranding Myself’, we’re chatting about personal brands. Are they still relevant? What does a personal brand look like in 2025? How do you go about building one, and what are the pros and cons of doing so?As well as these more general observations, we discuss our own personal brands and share how things might be evolving as we head into 2026. Links and Further ReadingThe Hyphen by Emma GannonWhat the Heck is a Personal Brand in 2025?Change Your Life in One Year (Build a Personal Brand)How do you feel about building a personal brand? Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

Created by Julia Cameron in the 90s, The Artist’s Way is a 12-week creative recovery programme designed to help you unlock your creativity by overcoming common blocks like self-doubt and fear. It uses core principles like ‘morning pages’ and ‘artist dates’ to help you reconnect with your creative self, find more passion and purpose, and fulfil your creative potential. Earlier this year, Charlie completed The Artist’s Way for the second time. In this episode, we chat about her experience and discuss five things she learned from redoing the programme. As well as sharing what she loves about Cameron’s approach, she’s brutally honest about its shortcomings. Links and Further ReadingJulia CameronStudio Gently The Hyphen by Emma Gannon Big Magic Have you ever attempted The Artist’s Way? How did you get on? Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when a post on Instagram or Substack Notes suddenly and unexpectedly gains momentum? How does it feel on a personal level, and what impact does it have on your business, if any?In this chatty episode, we’re discussing some recent viral moments we’ve experienced online. As well as digging into what virality looks like in 2025, we cover why we think our posts popped off, what we learned from their popularity, and the mindset needed to process sudden, rapid growth. Links and Further ReadingCharlie’s Viral MomentFranky’s Viral MomentWhat Happened When Charlie Went Viral? Have you ever had a viral moment online? How did it make you feel and what impact did it have on your business {if any}? Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you! Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back from our summer break! As we head into autumn, we’re reflecting on Quarter 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4 in our respective businesses. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process.We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. Finally, we share a few sources of creative inspiration, dig into our plans for the next three months and discuss what we’re hoping to achieve by the end of 2025.Links and Further ReadingHow to Innovate and Evolve in BusinessLooking At Picture BooksThe Lazy Genius Join us on Substack where you can share your thoughts on this episode in the comments. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q4… we’d love to cheer you on!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsLarking AboutContent Creatives with Charlie Swift Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

For most of us, coming up with ideas is an essential part of running a creative business. But whether we need them for client work or our own content, sometimes generating fresh ideas can feel hard. Inspired by our own struggles, this is what we’re chatting about in today’s episode. As well as exploring why you might be short of ideas, we discuss strategies for navigating the natural ebb and flow of your creativity, offering advice to help you get those ideas flowing again. Links and Further ReadingThe Self-Belief EpisodeDo you have any tips for coming up with ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, we’re discussing some recent Internet drama — Glennon’s Doyle’s arrival and sudden departure from Substack. To be clear, we’re not interested in gossip and hot takes. Instead, we’re chatting about our experience watching these events unfold, and how they made us feel about Substack and its users.As well as touching on the dangers of positioning Substack as the antidote to everything that’s wrong with social media, we talk about the constant evolution of the Internet and what this means for online business owners. Embracing our status as Internet dinosaurs, we also share advice to help you navigate these inevitable changes. Links and Further ReadingAre You Going to Start a Substack?How We Are Showing Up on Substack This YearGlennon DoyleWe Can Do Hard ThingsLetters From Love with Elizabeth GilbertEverything Glennon Doyle Did Wrong by Polly VernonHow do you feel about what happened to Glennon? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation on Substack.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

As we hit the midpoint of the year, we’re reflecting on Quarter 2 and looking ahead to Quarter 3 in our respective businesses. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process.We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months and discuss what we’re hoping to achieve before the next time we have this chat.Links and Further ReadingMaking Time for Non-Business Activities During the Working WeekThe Self-Belief EpisodeThe Artist’s WayStudio GentlyThrough The Gentle Lens by Anna ConsidineJoin us on Substack where you can share your thoughts on this episode in the comments. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q3… we’d love to cheer you on!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the Wheel of the Year, a seasonal cycle of eight festivals, or sabbats, that mark the passage of time through the year, connecting with the Earth's natural rhythms and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Charlie explains the significance of the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days, describing some of the symbols and traditions associated with them. We also discuss different ways you can use the Wheel of the Year within your creative business. From seasonal projects and activities to intention setting, this episode contains lots of resources and ideas to help get you started with this seasonal framework. Links and Further ReadingWheel of the Year on Google Calendar (add the one titled Pagan/Wiccan Holidays)Brand SeasonsKatherine MayCreating Everyday RitualsEverythinglooksrosieAre you familiar with the Wheel of the Year? Is it something you use in your creative business? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

Inspired by a recent conversation during one of our real-life co-mentoring sessions, today we’re asking whether a picture is REALLY worth a thousand words. Spoiler alert - Franky doesn’t think so! We’re constantly told we live in a visual world, especially when it comes to doing business online, but are headshots, logos, and brand colours really the most important thing? Listen as we explore this topic, chatting about ocularcentrism, the perils of neglecting your website copy, audio branding and more. Links and Further ReadingEmma Dabiri on How to FailThe Ultimate Guide to Sonic Branding with George and Luke from Hear Me OutWhat do you think about the relationship between words and visuals? Is one more important than the other? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

When it comes to your business, how much self-belief do you have? In today’s episode, we’re answering this question and exploring why self-belief is so important when you work for yourself.As well as discussing how our relationship with self-belief has changed over the years, we dive into the differences between inner work and external validation. We also share some of the things we’ve tried to boost our self-belief. Links and Further ReadingThe Art of Requesting, Receiving and Giving FeedbackTransform Your Business with Co-Mentoring What Gives Us the Business ScariesIs self-belief something you need to work on? Or are you already nailing it? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your experiences.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 1 and looking ahead to Quarter 2 in our respective businesses. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process.We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months of 2025 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the next time we have this chat.Links and Further ReadingElise JoyOne Year Without Social MediaHow I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Phone by Erik Winkowski Studio GentlyThrough The Gentle Lens by Anna ConsidineJoin us on Substack where you can share your thoughts on this episode in the comments. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q2… we’d love to cheer you on!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

After six years of podcasting, we thought it was about time we shared an updated episode on our specialist subject - co-mentoring. For those who don’t know, Friends With Business Benefits wouldn’t exist if we hadn’t started co-mentoring first. As well as sharing our co-mentoring origin story, we answer some of your most common questions. What is co-mentoring and what can it do for your business? What makes a good co-mentor and how can you find your own? We also share tips and advice to help you establish a consistent co-mentoring practice. As we head into Q2, it feels like the perfect time to lean into this transformative habit. Good luck! Links and Further ReadingFinding Your Own Co-Mentor5 Things I’ve Gained from Co-MentoringThings That Make Our Business Worlds BetterAre you tempted to give co-mentoring a go? Already a fan? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Substack to share your experiences.Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

It’s the perfect time of year to spring clean your rhythms and routines, so that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode. While some things will naturally shift as the seasons change, certain areas of life and business require us to be more intentional. Listen as Charlie walks us through her process, explaining how she supports her mentees to do the same. From figuring out what’s working and what’s not to adopting new habits and overhauling your working week, we discuss everything you need to know about refreshing your daily rhythms. Links and Further ReadingWeekly Rhythm WorksheetsAre you refreshing your rhythms or routines for spring? Join the conversation on Substack to tell us all about it. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

When is a pivot not a pivot and how do you know when it’s time to evolve? This week, we’re answering both these questions and more, digging into the practicalities of switching things up in your small business. We cover the realties of being solely responsible for you own professional development, reasons you might want to evolve, and the steps you need to take in order to do so. We also share evolutions we’ve been through as business owners in the past and where we hope innovative thinking might take us in the future. Links and Further ReadingJoin the conversation on Substack to share your thoughts on evolving in business. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

It’s time for our annual ‘planner meeting’ where we review the previous year's planners and journals and discuss what we’ll be using for the year ahead.As well as sharing the notebooks and diaries we’ve invested in this year, we explain how we’ll be using them to stay organised at work and at home. It’s a must-listen for stationery fans and those who prefer pen and paper-based productivity tools!Links and Further ReadingThe 6 Minute Success JournalLunar Planners by Nikki Strange CEO of My Own Life Planner by Ella IconicHow to pronounce Leuchtturm 1917Join the conversation on Substack to tell us all about your own planner plans for the year ahead. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

We’re kicking off the new year with our annual cosy conversation about reflections and intentions. Find out what went well for us last year and what we learned from the things that didn’t. We also chat about our words of the year, share a few goals for 2025, and make some solid(ish) plans for Q1.Links and Further ReadingThe Power of PlayLarking AboutContent Creatives with Charlie SwiftJoin the conversation on Substack to tell us all about your plans for the year ahead. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In our final episode of the year, join us as we run through some of our non-business related faves.As well as our favourite films, TV shows, music and books, we chat about the habits and experiences we’ve enjoyed the most. It’s an episode filled with recommendations, just for you!Thank you for listening throughout 2024 and merry Christmas from both of us to all who celebrate!Join the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts and fill us in on some of your own favourites. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re chatting about the power of play and what happens when you choose to prioritise and embrace it. Franky describes the transformative journey she’s been on this year after choosing ‘play’ as her guiding word. We discuss the impact it’s had on her mindset, her business and her life outside work. Charlie also shares what play has looked like for her over the last 12 months, and we both share tips to help you embrace all things playful in 2025. Links and Further Reading@artgurl on Instagram making “bad art”Junk Journal JanuaryGet MessyLarking AboutJoin the conversation on Substack to tell us how you feel about play and doing things ‘just for fun’ alongside running a creative business. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect With UsFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

This week we’re tackling a huge topic - the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the small business world as a whole and on us as individuals. Charlie talks about using AI as a collaborative tool, highlighting some of the benefits, while Franky is very honest about how she thinks ChatGPT is already affecting her bottom line. We dive into some of the ethical issues surrounding AI and contemplate a future where more and more of the content we consume is created by robots.Links and Further ReadingYuval Noah Harari on How to Fail with Elizabeth DayJoin the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts on AI and tell us about your own experiences using (or avoiding) ChatGPT. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With Us Friends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswift Subscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re chatting all things email marketing.To kick things off, Franky shares a personal dilemma about whether or not she should move her mailing list away from Mailchimp and/or start a Substack. As well as covering the pros and cons of various email marketing platforms, we also discuss strategy, consistency, outsourcing and AI, what we write about and how we come up with ideas. Links and Further Reading:What Makes a Good Email Lead Magnet?Are You Going to Start a Substack?How Are We Showing Up On Substack This Year Flodesk (affiliate link)Boatman Admin ServicesPlotting by Katie SadlerLiz MosleyHi CommunicationsJoin the conversation on Substack where you can share your thoughts on this episode and tell us about your own email marketing in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!Connect With Us Friends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswift Subscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

As we head into the darker, colder months of the year, we’re how we embrace and survive the autumn/winter season. Whether you love this time of year or not, there’s something in this mini-episode for everyone. Charlie describes some of her favourite seasonal rituals and Franky raves about her beloved thermal leggings. From making our homes feel cosy to working from home when it’s cold, we share tips and advice to help you get the most out of this time of year. Links and Further Reading:The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel SlaterWintering by Katherine MayM&S Thermal LeggingsFranky’s Wrist WarmersCharlie’s Autumnal PlaylistJoin us on Substack where you can share any reflections on the episode in the comment section. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q4…we’d love to cheer you on!Connect With Us Friends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswift Subscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back from our summer break and ready for a big catch up! In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 3 and looking ahead to Quarter 4. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the final three months of 2024 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of the year. Links and Further ReadingAre You Going to Start a Substack?How Are We Showing Up On Substack This Year What is EFT/’Tapping’?EFT/’Tapping’: Becoming a Channel for Creativity (Releasing Creative Blocks)Join us on Substack where you can share any reflections on the episode in the comment section. Come and tell us your own intentions for Q4…we’d love to cheer you on!Connect With Us Friends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswift Subscribe to Our Mailing ListsFranky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

Does promoting your products and services make you feel a bit… uncomfortable? Do you struggle to show up and sell your stuff? Well, you’re not alone. As well as experiencing this ourselves, it’s something we hear all the time from clients. In this episode, we’re chatting about why selling can be hard and sharing our advice to make the whole process easier. We cover a lot of ground, including what is and isn’t ‘hard selling’, the mindset shift you might need to make more sales and our new mantra - ‘you are allowed to sell your stuff and make money’. Links and Further Reading How to Create a Seamless, On-Brand Customer Experience Liz Mosley Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Franky’s Mailing List Charlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In this mini episode, we're chatting about rituals and sharing the ways in which we both bring a little ritual to our everyday. We talk about how rituals help cultivate moments of mindfulness, connection and calm and the benefit this can have for business owners. We also get a little deep when discussing how rituals foster a reverence for life and help us to feel gratitude for the little things. Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re chatting about Franky’s mission to find a new hobby and what she’s learned since she started pursuing a different kind of creativity. As well as describing the perils of monetising your passions and interests, we discuss nurturing your inner child, exploring curiosity peaks in adulthood, and what it feels like to be a beginner for the first time in years. We also cover how to find time for hobbies, the many benefits, and the big difference between creative work and creative play. Links and Further Reading The Artist’s Way Make36 by Elise Joy Why I’m Picking Up a New Hobby This Winter Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

When we asked you what you wanted to know about co-mentoring, the overwhelming response was how to go about finding a co-mentor of your own. In today’s episode, we talk about how we met and started co-mentoring. We also share the stories of three other co-mentoring duos, touching on how they found each other and how co-mentoring has benefitted their businesses so far. Finally, we chat about the boundaries you might want to set with your own co-mentor and discuss the difference between co-mentoring and paying for a business coach or mentor. Links and further reading: Episode One of Friends With Business Benefits Blogtacular Being Freelance Our fellow co-mentors... Jo @ocheandflax & Camilla @slowfarmingcompany Steve @sfolland and Frankie @doingitforthekids_ Katie @katiemorwenna and Jen @sillyheartco Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

We love Instagram, but are we guilty of putting all our eggs in one basket when it comes to marketing? This week, we explore what our businesses might look like if Instagram disappeared and ask whether we’re giving it more focus than it deserves. This episode includes: The dangers of becoming a slave to the algorithm and why trying to ‘beat’ it might mean we’re focussed on being good Instagramers rather than good business owners. Other mediums for communicating with your audience and why some content might work harder away from Instagram. Thoughts on marketing with intention. What this means for business owners who started out on Instagram and ideas for getting out of the Insta bubble. Links Being Freelance Facebook Group The Freelance Lifestylers Facebook Group Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, we’re introducing our summer series. For the very first time, we’ll be taking a proper planned break from recording and rereleasing some of our best episodes while we’re away. Before we switch off for the summer, we’re also chatting about how we’re going to approach the next six weeks in our businesses. We cover everything from travel plans and taking time off to juggling childcare and showing up online.We hope you enjoy listening to some of our back catalogue over the next few weeks. We’ll be in your ears again with a brand new episode in September! Connect with usFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to our mailing lists Franky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

This week, it’s Charlie’s turn to mine Franky for some expert advice! After neglecting her business blog for a VERY long time, she’s wondering how to get back into the habit of posting. More to the point, should she even bother trying?As well as explaining the benefits of blogging, Franky shares practical tips and lots of motivation to help you create more long-form content and bring new potential customers to your website.Connect with usFriends With Business Benefits on Substackcharlieswift.comlove-audrey.comFind Us On Instagram@loveaudrey83@_charlieswiftSubscribe to our mailing lists Franky’s Mailing ListCharlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we’re reflecting on Quarter 2 and looking ahead to Quarter 3. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We also talk about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us since we last spoke. As well as sharing a few sources of creative inspiration, we dig into our plans for the next three months of the year and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of the summer. Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re chatting about in-person networking. Although it was something we both leaned on heavily in the early days of freelancing, the pandemic had a huge impact on its role in our businesses. As Franky recently attended her first in-person event in almost 5 years, it seems like a good time to explore this topic and discuss what networking looks and feels like in 2024. As well as sharing tips to help you get the most out of in-person events, we cover different forms of networking and touch on the issue of accessibility and inclusivity. We also wonder out loud about hosting an in-person networking event of our own… Links and Further Reading Spark Social Doing It For The Kids Being Freelance Maddy & Pip Rules of Engagement Prior Shop Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Franky’s Mailing List Charlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

How do you feel about Instagram trends? New trends, old trends, emerging trends, micro trends - love them or hate them, the app is full of them! In this episode, we’re discussing Instagram trends in-depth, examining their impact, weighing up the pros and cons, and exploring how you can figure the ones to avoid and the ones you should jump on. From trending audio to tiny mics, we cover a lot of ground! As well as venting about the trends we hate, we chat about the ones we love and share tips to help you make familiar trends your own. Links and Further Reading Liz Mosley on Auditory Branding Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, we’re asking whether ‘everything is content’. This popular mantra is a phrase we’ve used and repeated ourselves, but is it true? How helpful is this approach and are there any pitfalls to avoid? Thinking critically and adding some much needed nuance, we explore content buckets, boundaries, protecting other people’s privacy and more. Links and Further Reading Embracing and Creating Video Content Friends with Business Boundaries Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In this mini episode, Charlie poses a question she originally asked on Instagram - do you make time for non-business activities during your working week? After discussing things that might fall under this banner including life admin, self-care and creative dates, we explore why it might be hard to dedicate time to these activities when you could be working. We also share tips and advice to help you overcome these barriers and be the best boss you’ve ever had! Links and Further Reading How to Do Life and Run a Business Our Current Working Routines Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

Are you feeling overwhelmed by Instagram? Are you overthinking your content and struggling to show up? Franky was. Having spent the last couple of years hiding on Instagram Stories and rarely posting to the grid, she finally realised something had to change. Luckily, her co-mentor happens to be an Insta-expert who gives excellent creative pep talks! Listen as we discuss how Franky’s been feeling about Instagram, why she wanted to change her relationship with the app in 2024, and the advice Charlie gave her to get unstuck and start showing up. We recorded this episode in early February and since then Franky’s stuck to her posting schedule and even had a reel go {a little bit} viral! If you’d like to move past the overwhelm, stop overthinking and start taking action, the tips in this episode can help. Links and Further Reading Book an Instagram Audit with Charlie Overcoming Instagram Stumbling Blocks Embracing and Creating Video Content Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Franky’s Mailing List Charlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In this chatty episode, we’re looking back on the first three months of the year and ahead to Quarter 2. Find out what felt good, what didn’t and what we’ve learned in the process. We discuss how Franky has been showing up on Instagram and her brush with having a Reel go viral, and also talk through Charlie's relationship with consistency in content creation in this season. We also chat about our words of the year and how they’ve been showing up for us so far, plus we dig into our plans for Q2 and discuss what we’re both hoping to achieve before the end of June. Links and Further Reading: www.instagram.com/rachaelrenae Work With Us: Book an Instagram Audit with Charlie charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

In this mini episode, we’re sharing ideas and inspiration to help you sneak more creativity into your daily life, especially if you’re short on time and/or caring for small children. From finding the magic in the mundane to portable crafts you can do in front of the TV, there’s a mix of practical advice and gentle encouragement, all based on personal experience and our belief that creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Find Us On Instagram @loveaudrey83 @_charlieswift Franky’s Mailing List Charlie’s Mailing List Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

This week we're revisiting the topic of Substack. We disscuss whether or not the platform is a part of our content plans in this season, and what we're feeling called to consume and create there. Charlie shares how she is showing up on Substack this year and Franky touches on creating for the platform as a copywriter. We also breakdown the differnt ways you may engage with Substack content as a reader and talk about the various features and models the platform has to offer. Charlie's Substack: 'Intentonal Creatives' Sparkle on Substack resources and membership Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

We celebrated 100 episodes of Friends With Business Benefits and five whole years of podcasting by going live on Instagram to record this episode. Having hit such a big content creation milestone, we made that the focus, answering listener questions about creating and sharing content for your business. We cover podcasting, productivity, brainstorming ideas and more! Whether you’re an OG listener or a newbie, thanks for supporting our podcast! Links and Further Reading Watch the live episode here Our most downloaded episode Trello Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

Inspired by Gretchen Rubin, we’ve both adopted the habit of compiling a list of aims at the start of a new year. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but for us it’s never a business-focussed list. Instead, we both include fun, playful things we want to prioritise. We’ve found it’s a great way to identify what we want the year to hold. In this episode, we’re sharing our ‘24 for 2024’ lists in the hope that it will make you want to compile your own. Links and Further Reading Gretchen Rubin’s 24 for 2024 Trifecta Work With Us charlieswift.com love-audrey.com Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe

It’s time for our annual ‘planner meeting’ where we review the previous year's planners and journals and discuss what we’ll be using for the year ahead. As well as sharing the notebooks and diaries we’ve invested in this year, we explain how we’ll be using them to stay organised at work and at home. It’s a must-listen for stationery fans and those who prefer pen and paper-based productivity tools! Links and Further Reading Lunar Moon Diary The 6-Minute Success Journal LSW Morning Notes Habit Daily App The Circle Planner The Ultimate Daily Notebook The Five Minute Journal Leuchtturm1917 Get full access to Friends with Business Benefits at friendswithbusinessbenefits.substack.com/subscribe